Handheld toy having rotating LED&#39;s

ABSTRACT

A handheld toy having a handle portion and a barrel portion is provided. The handle portion includes a hand grip and a compressible trigger partially positioned therein. The barrel portion includes a clear hollow tube substantially enclosing a rotatable shaft. The shaft is driven by a motor contained within the handle portion and activated by pressing the trigger. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LED&#39;s) are attached to the shaft and extend therefrom. When a user presses the trigger, the LED&#39;s light up in varying patterns based on pre-programmed instructions, causing a varied light pattern to project from the hollow tube as the shaft rotates. The handle portion includes a speaker and corresponding circuitry contained therein for sound effects. The toy contains batteries in the handle portion for power, but can also use other power means. The toy can be shaped to resemble various objects including a sword and gun.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

This invention was not federally sponsored.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention generally relates to the field of children's toys. More particularly, the present invention relates to handheld toys having rotating lights and, optionally sound or coordinated sound effects.

2. Description of the Related Art

Children of all ages enjoy playing with toys. Over the last several decades, innovations in science and technology as well as in manufacturing processes and techniques have allowed the production of more sophisticated toys. For example, advances in semiconductors, sensors, and mechatronics have been used to produce a “smart” robotic dog toy. In the handheld toy area however, the advances in features have not been as drastic. For example, many toy swords do not utilize lights or rotational mechanisms to provide increased functionality and entertainment, but rather are designed for play “sword fighting”. Similarly, many advances in toy guns have occurred in the type and number of projectiles that can be fired from the gun, rather than providing a toy gun with advanced visual and sound effects. Further, although toys having advanced sound, lighting, and other visual stimulating features do exist, such as the robotic dog toy, they are often bulky, expensive to produce, difficult to manufacture, and cannot be readily played with in a variety of different environments.

Therefore, there is a current need for a handheld toy that includes advanced lighting and rotational features that is lightweight, cost effective, quick and efficient to manufacture, and can entertain adults and children alike.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is a primary object of this invention to provide a handheld toy that includes advanced lighting and rotational features.

It is another object of this invention to provide a handheld toy that provides entertainment to children and adults alike.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a handheld toy having rotating light emitting diodes that can produce varying light patterns.

It is a yet a further object of this invention to provide a handheld toy having rotating light emitting diodes that is economical to manufacture.

A further object of the invention is to provide, optionally, for sound in the form of music or sound effects.

Additional objects of the invention include, optionally, the coordination of the flashing light emitting diodes with the music or sound effects.

It is still yet a further object of this invention to provide a handheld toy having rotating light emitting diodes that resembles a sword.

It is another object of this invention to provide a handheld toy having rotating light emitting diodes that resembles a gun.

It is still yet a further object of this invention to provide a new and unique handheld toy to the field of child's toys.

These objects and further objects and features of the invention will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the disclosure of the present invention as set forth herein.

A handheld toy having a handle portion and a barrel portion is provided. The handle portion includes a hand grip and a compressible trigger partially positioned therein. The barrel portion includes a clear hollow tube substantially enclosing a rotatable shaft. The shaft is driven by a motor contained within the handle portion and activated by pressing the trigger. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LED's) are attached to the shaft and extend therefrom. When a user presses the trigger, the LED's light up in varying patterns based on pre-programmed instructions, causing a varied light pattern to project from the hollow tube as the shaft rotates. The handle portion includes a speaker and corresponding circuitry contained therein for sound effects. It is envisioned that the toy could be made without any sound, with sound operating in a manner uncoordinated with the flashing LED's, or with sound and/or music coordinated with the flashing LED's. The toy contains batteries in the handle portion for power, but can also use other power means. The toy can be shaped to resemble various objects including a sword and gun.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principals of this invention.

FIG. 1 shows a front side view of the preferred embodiment of the handheld toy device designed to resemble a sword.

FIG. 2 shows a rear side view of the preferred embodiment of the handheld toy device designed to resemble a sword.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional side view of the preferred embodiment of the handheld toy device designed to resemble a sword.

FIG. 4 shows a detailed partial side view of the preferred embodiment of the handheld toy device designed to resemble a sword, illustrating the attachment of the shaft to the motor.

FIG. 5 shows a front side view of an alternate embodiment of the handheld toy device designed to resemble a gun.

FIG. 6 shows a rear side view of an alternate embodiment of the handheld toy device designed to resemble a gun.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional side view of an alternate embodiment of the handheld toy device designed to resemble a gun.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein similar parts are identified by like reference numerals, FIG. 1 shows a front side view of the preferred embodiment of the handheld toy device 10, designed to resemble a sword. Handheld toy device 10 comprises a handle portion 20 and a barrel portion 30. Handle portion 20 and barrel portion 30 are both preferably comprised of a durable, resilient, and rust-proof material, such as hard plastic, but can be comprised of other materials having similar characteristics as would be recognized by one with ordinary skill in the art. Handle portion 20 and barrel portion 30 are preferably formed by the joining of opposing mating halves 12 (only one shown), which form an interior region therein. Opposing mating halves 12 can embody a variety of shapes and sizes and include various designs thereon and still remain within the scope of this invention. Opposing mating halves 12 are preferably attached via screws, but can be designed to clip together, slide together, or embody other means for attachment as would be recognized by one with ordinary skill in the art.

Handle portion 20 includes a compressible trigger 22 partially positioned between and contained within halves 12. Trigger 22 is preferably located at end portion of a handle grip 24. Handle grip 24 is designed to enable a user to grasp handheld toy device 10 using a hand. Handle portion 20 also includes a speaker opening 26 to allow sound to clearly pass from the speaker (see FIG. 3) to the user. It is envisioned that the toy could be made without any sound, with sound in the form of music and/or sound effects operating in a manner uncoordinated with the flashing LED's, or with sound or music coordinated with the flashing LED's.

Barrel portion 30 includes a hollow tube 32 substantially enclosing a shaft 34. Hollow tube 32 is preferably clear to allow a user to view the light pattern formed within barrel portion 30, but can also be either partially or substantially tinted or shaded to provide various lighting effects. Shaft 34 is driven by a motor (see FIG. 3) contained within handle portion 20 and activated by pressing trigger 22. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LED's) 36 are attached to shaft 34 and extend therefrom. LED's 36 can be arranged in various patterns on shaft 34 to provide a range of light formed shapes, designs, and effects. When a user presses trigger 22, LED's 36 can light up and flash in varying patterns based on pre-programmed instructions contained within a circuit board (see FIG. 3), causing a varied light pattern to project from hollow tube 32 as shaft 34 rotates. LED's 36 can be various sizes and shapes to produce a range of light formed shapes, designs, and effects. Various types of LED's 36 can be used for this invention.

It is envisioned that among the effects made possible by this invention are a constant band of light, a sporadically appearing and disappearing band or segment of light, a segment of light that rotates about shaft 34, and other patterns and sequences. Barrel portion 30 also includes an LED 38 attached to the end 35 of shaft 34. LED 38 can be programmed to light up at various intervals based on pre-programmed instructions. A tip 39 is positioned at the distal end of handheld toy device 10, and helps to secure mating halves 12 together.

FIG. 2 shows a rear side view of handheld toy device 10 designed to resemble a sword, illustrating handle portion 20 and barrel portion 30. Handle portion 20 further includes a battery compartment (see FIG. 3) having a removable battery compartment door 28.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional side view handheld toy device 10 designed to resemble a sword. In this view, there are depicted additional features of handle portion 20 including a battery compartment 40 with batteries 41, a return coil 42, circuit boards 46, speaker 48, and speaker brace 49. Also shown in this figure are motor 50, secured to mating half 12 by a motor brace 51, hollow tube 32, LED's 36 and 38, and tip 39. Motor 50 drives shaft 34 when trigger 22 is compressed. Return coil 42 engages trigger 22 such that, when trigger 22 is compressed, the electric circuit within handheld toy device 10 closes and allows LED's 36 and 38 to light up and shaft 34 to rotate, and when trigger 22 is released, return coil 42 returns trigger 22 to its uncompressed position, thus causing the electric circuit to open and stop shaft 34 from rotating and preventing LED's 36 and 38 from emitting light. Circuit boards 46 contain circuitry to control speaker 48 and the lighting pattern of LED's 36 and 38. Pre-programmed instructions contained within circuit boards 46 can allow LED's 36 and 38 to remain lit, flash on and off at a constant rate, or flash on and off at varying rates to provide various light patterns as shaft 34 rotates. It is also envisioned that the toy could be made without any sound, with sound operating in a manner uncoordinated with the flashing LED's, or with sound or music coordinated with the flashing LED's, and that any sound effects and/or music could be controlled by circuit boards—either separate from those which program the LED's or having the same circuit board control both the LED's and the sound effects and/or music. While not limiting, it is considered that “fighting sounds” such as, for a gun, the sound of a bullet being shot, or, for a sword, the sound of two swords clashing as in a swordfight, would be desirable. In terms of music, it is envisioned that music commonly associated with fighting or combat would be appropriate for a gun, and music commonly associated with pirates, futuristic sword or light saber combatants, or other sword fighting characters could be used with swords.

FIG. 4 shows a detailed partial side view of handheld toy device 10 designed to resemble a sword, illustrating the attachment of shaft 34 to motor 50. Motor 50 is attached to a support 52, and includes a pin 54 protruding from an end 56. Pin 54 is engaged with a pin coupler 58. Pin coupler 58 is connected to a shaft coupler 60, which is attached to shaft 34. Pin coupler 58 is secured to a mating half 12 by a pin coupler support 62 attached to pin coupler brace 64. Pin coupler brace 64 is secured to mating half 12 preferably by a screw. Motor 50 is secured to mating half 12 by motor brace 51 (see FIG. 3).

FIG. 5 shows a front side view of an alternate embodiment of the handheld toy device 100, designed to resemble a sword. Handheld toy device 100 comprises a handle portion 110 and a barrel portion 120. Handle portion 110 and barrel portion 120 are both preferably comprised of a durable, resilient, and rust-proof material, such as hard plastic, but can be comprised of other materials having similar characteristics as would be recognized by one with ordinary skill in the art. Handle portion 110 and barrel portion 120 are preferably formed by the joining of opposing mating halves 102 (only one shown), which form an interior region therein. Opposing mating halves 102 can embody a variety of shapes and sizes and include various designs thereon and still remain within the scope of this invention. Opposing mating halves 102 are preferably attached via screws 104, but can be designed to clip together, slide together, or embody other means for attachment as would be recognized by one with ordinary skill in the art.

Handle portion 110 includes a compressible trigger 112 partially positioned between and contained within halves 102. Trigger 112 is preferably located at end portion of a handle grip 114. Handle grip 114 is designed to enable a user to grasp handheld toy device 100 using a hand. Handle portion 110 also includes a speaker opening 116 to allow sound to clearly pass from the speaker (see FIG. 7) to the user.

Barrel portion 120 includes a hollow tube 122 substantially enclosing a shaft 124. Hollow tube 122 is preferably clear to allow a user to view the light pattern formed within barrel portion 120, but can also be either partially or substantially tinted or shaded to provide various lighting effects. Shaft 124 is driven by a motor (see FIG. 7) contained within handle portion 110 and activated by pressing trigger 112. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LED's) 126 are attached to shaft 124 and extend therefrom. LED's 126 can be arranged in various patterns on shaft 124 to provide a range of light formed shapes, designs, and effects. When a user presses trigger 112, LED's 126 can light up and flash in varying patterns based on pre-programmed instructions contained within a circuit board (see FIG. 7), causing a varied light pattern to project from hollow tube 122 as shaft 124 rotates. LED's 126 can be various sizes and shapes to produce a range of light formed shapes, designs, and effects. Various types of LED's 126 can be used for this invention. A tip 128 is positioned at the distal end of handheld toy device 100, and helps to secure mating halves 102 together. It is also envisioned that the toy could be made without any sound, with sound operating in a manner uncoordinated with the flashing LED's, or with sound or music coordinated with the flashing LED's, and that any sound effects and/or music could be controlled by circuit boards—either separate from those which program the LED's or having the same circuit board control both the LED's and the sound effects and/or music. While not limiting, it is considered that “fighting sounds” such as, for a gun, the sound of a bullet being shot, or, for a sword, the sound of two swords clashing as in a swordfight, would be desirable. In terms of music, it is envisioned that music commonly associated with fighting or combat would be appropriate for a gun, and music commonly associated with pirates or other sword fighting characters could be used with swords.

FIG. 6 shows a rear side view of handheld toy device 100 designed to resemble a sword, illustrating handle portion 110 and barrel portion 120. Handle portion 110 further includes a battery compartment (see FIG. 7) having a removable battery compartment door 118.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional side view handheld toy device 100 designed to resemble a sword. In this view, there are depicted additional features of handle portion 110 including a battery compartment 130 with batteries 131, a return coil 132, circuit board 136, speaker 138, and speaker brace 139. Also shown in this figure are motor 140, hollow tube 122, LED's 126 and tip 128. Motor 140 drives shaft 124 when trigger 112 is compressed. Return coil 132 engages trigger 112 such that, when trigger 112 is compressed, the electric circuit within handheld toy device 100 closes and allows LED's 126 to light up and shaft 124 to rotate, and when trigger 112 is released, return coil 132 returns trigger 112 to its uncompressed position, thus causing the electric circuit to open and stop shaft 124 from rotating and preventing LED's 126 from emitting light. Circuit boards 136 contain circuitry to control speaker 138 and the lighting pattern of LED's 126 via wires 137, and can control optional sound effects and/or music programs which can operate in an independently timed method or be operated in conjunction and coordination with the flashing pattern of the LED's. Pre-programmed instructions contained within circuit boards 136 can allow LED's 126 to remain lit, flash on and off at a constant rate, or flash on and off at varying rates to provide various light patterns as shaft 124 rotates.

With respect to the above description it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, including variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly, and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents fall within the scope of the present invention.

The above description, together with the advantages of the invention and the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific advantages attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting, as to the scope of the invention in any way. 

1. A handheld toy device comprising: a) a housing, the housing including a handle portion and a barrel portion, the handle portion defining an interior handle region and including means for device activation, the barrel portion defining an interior barrel region having a rotatable shaft positioned therein; b) means for rotating the shaft coupled to the shaft; and c) at least one light emitting diode coupled to the shaft whereby when a user initiates the means for device activation, the at least one diode lights up and the means for rotating the shaft causes the shaft to rotate, creating a pattern of light to emit from the barrel portion.
 2. The handheld toy device of claim 1, wherein the barrel portion further comprises a substantially transparent tube substantially surrounding the shaft for the purpose of allowing a user to view the shaft.
 3. The handheld toy device of claim 1, wherein the means for rotating the shaft is an electric motor connected to an electric circuit.
 4. The handheld toy device of claim 3, wherein the electric circuit is opened and closed by the means for device activation.
 5. The handheld toy device of claim 4, wherein the means for device activation is a trigger partially contained within the handle interior region, the trigger engagingly contacting a return coil contained within the handle interior region, whereby when the trigger is compressed the return coil closes the electric circuit and when the trigger is released the return coil causes the trigger to return to its uncompressed state and opens the electric circuit.
 6. The handheld toy device of claim 1, wherein the means for rotating the shaft is non-electrical.
 7. The handheld toy device of claim 1 further comprising a speaker located within the housing for the purpose of producing one or more sounds.
 8. The handheld toy device of claim 7, where the one of more sounds is selected from the group comprising music and sound effects.
 9. The handheld device of claim 8, where the one or more sounds is controlled by means other than the means for device activation of the LED's.
 10. The handheld device of claim 8, where the means for device activation of the LED's additionally comprises means to activate the one or more sounds is controlled, such that the pattern of activating the LED's is coordinated with the pattern of activating the one or more sounds.
 11. The handheld toy device of claim 1, wherein the housing is shaped to resemble a sword, whereby the handle portion and the barrel portion are situated along the same axis.
 12. The handheld toy device of claim 1, wherein the housing is shaped to resemble a gun, whereby the handle portion is positioned perpendicular to the barrel portion.
 13. The handheld toy device of claim 1, wherein the at least one light emitting diode comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.
 14. The handheld toy device of claim 13 further comprising circuitry located within the housing for the purpose of controlling the duration the plurality of light emitting diodes are lit and the number of the plurality of light emitting diodes that are lit.
 15. The handheld toy device of claim 1, wherein the housing is comprised of a durable and lightweight material.
 16. The handheld toy device of claim 1, wherein the housing includes designs on the outer surface thereof for the purpose of providing visual enhancement of the handheld toy device.
 17. A handheld toy device comprising: a) a housing, the housing including a handle portion and a barrel portion, the handle portion defining an interior handle region and including means for device activation, the barrel portion defining an interior barrel region having a rotatable shaft positioned therein; b) an electric motor coupled to the shaft for the purpose of rotating the shaft, the electric motor located within the interior handle region and electrically connected to an electric circuit opened and closed by the means for device activation; and c) a plurality of light emitting diodes coupled to the shaft whereby when a user compresses the trigger, the at least one diode lights up and the means for rotating the shaft causes the shaft to rotate, creating a pattern of light to emit from the barrel portion.
 18. The handheld toy device of claim 17 further comprising a speaker located within the housing for the purpose of producing sound effects.
 19. The handheld toy device of claim 17, wherein the housing is shaped to resemble a sword, whereby the handle portion and the barrel portion are situated along the same axis.
 20. The handheld toy device of claim 17, wherein the housing is shaped to resemble a gun, and, whereby the handle portion is positioned perpendicular to the barrel portion.
 21. The handheld toy device of claim 17, wherein the means for device activation is a trigger partially contained within the handle interior region, the trigger engagingly contacting a return coil contained within the handle interior region, whereby when the trigger is compressed the return coil closes the electric circuit and when the trigger is released the return coil causes the trigger to return to its uncompressed state and opens the electric circuit.
 22. The handheld toy device of claim 17 further comprising circuitry located within the housing for the purpose of controlling the duration the plurality of light emitting diodes are lit and the number of the plurality of light emitting diodes that are lit.
 23. A method for making a handheld toy device comprising the steps of: a) providing a housing, the housing including a handle portion and a barrel portion, the handle portion defining an interior handle region and including means for device activation, the barrel portion defining an interior barrel region having a rotatable shaft positioned therein; b) providing a means for rotating the shaft for coupling to the shaft; c) coupling the means for rotating the shaft to the shaft; d) providing at least one light emitting diode for attachment to the shaft; and e) attaching the at least one light emitting diode to the shaft. 